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NCL Personal Cruise Consultants are available Mon-Fri: 8am - Midnight, Sat & Sun: 9am - 9pm ET
You will receive a call from your personal cruise consultant within 48 hours.
How do I learn about NCL's new e-documents?
With NCL's new eDocs program, your cruise ticket and detailed pre-cruise information is at your fingertips. Once you get our e-mail, all you have to do is click on the eDocs button and up comes your ticket. It's that easy. Click here to learn more.
What does my cruise fare include?
Your cruise fare entitles you to accommodations, meals and entertainment aboard ship. Specialty restaurants are available with either nominal cover charges or fixed price menus and à la carte pricing in addition to the standard dining program. Items of a personal nature are not included, such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, spa treatments, indoor pool relaxation areas, certain specialty exercise classes, laundry, photographs, casino, ship-to-shore phone, email, Internet, fax and Shore Excursions (including all Dive In" programs). Government taxes and fees are also not included.
How do I pay for onboard expenses?
For your convenience, all shipboard expenses are charged to NCL's special onboard credit program. Sign up on the first day of your cruise, by establishing your method of payment with Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, Discover®, Diners Club®,travelers checks or cash. If you choose to settle your account with cash, a deposit will be required in advance. You may also use your debit card; however, please be advised that NCL obtains pre-authorization which some banks may hold for up to 30 days.
What about currency?
You may cash travelers checks at the Reception Desk. Currency exchange, at prevailing rates, is available on some cruises. Travelers checks and most major credit cards are accepted in the ports we visit. Proper ID is required when cashing travelers checks. We recommend you carry a small amount of local currency when visiting foreign ports, although credit cards are commonly accepted in shops and restaurants.
What are the customs allowances?
United States residents must declare all articles acquired abroad and in their possession when they return to the U.S. This includes items purchased in "duty-free" shops. The duty-free exemption allowed for purchases or gifts for returning U.S. residents varies, depending on how long they have been out of the U.S. and which countries they have visited. The standard exemption for U.S. residents who have been abroad more than 48 hours is $600 - $800, which may include one liter of alcohol (if you are at least 21), 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes.
Residents returning to the U.S. from the U.S. Virgin Islands may bring $1,200 worth of goods duty-free. The duty-free exemption for U.S. residents doesn't need to include items that are mailed back to the U.S.; those will be assessed for duty when they arrive. The duty-free exemption for a package mailed as a gift is $100; the exemption for a package marked for personal use is $200. Non-U.S. citizens should check with their local authorities for customs allowance information. For more specific customs information, be sure to attend the briefing by the Cruise Director before your ship reaches home port. (Check the daily onboard newsletter for time and place.) You can also obtain information before you sail by contacting the nearest U.S. Customs office (look under United States Government, Department of Treasury in your local phone book). You can also visit the U.S. Customs website - www.customs.ustreas.gov - or call 1.202.927.6724 and ask for the brochure "Know Before You Go." Note: Bottles of liquor you purchase on board or ashore will be held in a secure area and delivered to your stateroom at the conclusion of the cruise.
U.S. Citizens and residents are not allowed to bring more than 200 cigarettes into the U.S. if they are produced in the U.S., whether made for export or not.
How many suitcases can I bring?
Each person is allowed up to two pieces of personal luggage on board, with each piece weighing a maximum of 50 pounds. However, if passengers are traveling by air, they need to check with the airline for specific restrictions.
What about smoking, drinking and gambling on the ship?
We want you to be comfortable on board, so public areas throughout all NCL ships are smoke free. If you smoke cigarettes, you can do so in your stateroom, on your balcony, in the casino or Cigar Bar (where available). If you prefer pipes or cigars, you can smoke in the Cigar Bar or designated smoking lounge. Also, you can smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars outside on open decks (just not around food venues, sport decks, kids' pool areas and other designated non-smoking areas).
With the exception of Alaska and Hawaii itineraries, (Where you must be 21 years of age to consume or purchase alcohol of any kind) NCL permits guests between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty (20) to purchase and personally consume wine and beer while on NCL ships with the consent of an accompanying parent or legal guardian on the same sailing once the vessel is outside the US state territorial waters (3 miles out). Complete details and special consent form are only available onboard at the Reception Desk. *If you want to gamble in our casinos, you must have a valid ID showing you are 18 years or older. If a guest under the age of 18 wins in the casino and can not provide proof of age, he or she will not be paid the winnings. There are no casinos on our ships in Hawaii.
* NCL encourages the responsible use of alcohol and accordingly reserves the right to permanently or temporarily revoke the drinking privileges of any guest who violates NCL's Guest Code of Conduct or who is deemed a danger to himself, herself or others by vessel management. Continued abuse of alcohol while sailing and/or violation of NCL's alcohol policy may result in immediate disembarkation.
What time is dinner?
What time would you like it to be? NCL's exclusive Freestyle Cruising lets you choose. We offer open-seating dining in a variety of restaurants and cafés with individual menus, so it's your choice. You can have lunch or dinner with friends in one of the elegantly appointed restaurants or reserve a table for two in an intimate bistro.
Order an omelette prepared just the way you like it from the breakfast-buffet chef. Indulge yourself with delectable selections from the Chocoholic Buffet." There are special menus for youngsters and special entrées from Cooking Light®. Special meals are available including low-calorie, vegetarian, no MSG, low/no sodium and low/no cholesterol meals, as well as sugar-free and fat-free desserts. All of our restaurants are non-smoking. Most specialty restaurants require a per person cover charge or offer a` la carte pricing. Reservations are recommended and can be made on board.
Will I have access to the internet?
All our ships are equipped with 24 hour Internet Cafés. Give your friends and family back home your personalized email address (printed on your cruise ticket) and stay in touch throughout your cruise. Click here for more information on rates and services. Wireless internet (also known as WI-Fi) is also available throughout NCL's entire fleet.
Will I need an electrical converter?
The current on board is 110 volts AC. However, some high-voltage hair dryers, electric rollers and electric razors may require a converter.
Do children cruise for free?
Kids under two cruise at a substantially reduced fare and certain itineraries offer specials on 3rd and 4th guests in the same stateroom. Infants under six months of age are not eligible for travel on NCL ships.
Are there children's programs?
Kid's Crew" is our onboard children's program and it's one of the most comprehensive at sea. Click here for more info on our Kid's Crew Program".
Are babysitters available?
NCL offers group sitting for ages 2-12 for a nominal fee with the Kid's Crew" counselors. In addition to our regular sitting hours of 10 pm - 1 am, group sitting is available in port from 9 am - 5 pm. Private babysitting is not available. Click here for more info on our Kids Crew" Program.
Are there any pool regulations?
According to United States Public Health (U.S.P.H.) regulations, no diapers of any kind are permitted in the swimming pools or jacuzzis, including those marketed as "swimmers."
What other services are available?
Beauty parlor and spa services include hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials
and massages in our Mandara Spa Salon
Gift shops feature duty-free shopping, with fine jewelry, perfumes, clothing, cosmetics and limited drug store items
Laundry & dry-cleaning services
Internet Café
Art auctions
Photographs taken throughout the cruise
BAGS Service available at the following debarkation ports: Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle. Why haul suitcases in the last hours of your vacation when our BAGS Program can take care of that headache for you!
What about guests with special needs?
NCL welcomes guests with special needs. Of course, we may require advance notice in order to accommodate them, so they must advise NCL's Group Event Coordinator Department of their needs at least three weeks prior to their cruise.
All of our ships have designated staterooms with wider doorways and bathrooms that will accommodate wheelchairs and staterooms with lights and under-pillow vibrating alarms for guests with hearing impairments. Guide dogs are permitted on all NCL ships. Many staterooms have refrigerators that can be used to store medications that must be kept cold. Guests who use wheelchairs must provide their own.
As of 9/1/07, NCL has signed an exclusivity contract with Care Vacations to be the sole supplier for oxygen and mobility services. They will be the only company allowed to deliver and supply all mobility aid equipment including standard (non-motorized) wheelchairs and electric equipment (scooters), oxygen equipment for use during the cruise or tour to those guests who pre-arrange the service with Care Vacations. Please note, liquid oxygen is not permitted on any NCL or NCLA vessel nor will be supplied by the vendor under any circumstance. Please have our guests contact Care Vacations at 1-877-478-7827 to make arrangements.
The only exception to the above is guests who require dialysis equipment and supplies. These guests can contact Baxter Health Care at 1-800-422-9837 to make arrangements.
Click here for more information for guests with special needs.
Is there a doctor on board?
A physician and nurse are on each ship to provide medical care and services at customary charges. Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship's doctor.
What if I'm pregnant?
NCL will make every effort to accommodate you, providing you have not entered the 24th week of pregnancy when the cruise ends. Please include your cruise details in an email to the Access Desk with a medical certificate establishing your due date prior to your cruise.
What about Shore Excursions?
Click here to view the available Shore Excursions. An updated listing of Shore Excursions is available approximately 6 months prior to the first sailing of each cruise destination season. All tours are available to pre-request online, or you can call (866) 625 1167 (US & Canada) or 0845 658 8140 (UK). Once onboard, Shore Excursions can also be purchased at the ship's Shore Excursion Desk.
How can we celebrate a special occasion?
You may purchase wine, or bon voyage gifts, such as fruit baskets, champagne, birthday cakes, canapés, flowers or other gifts for your stateroom. Please let us know at least three weeks before sailing. Click here for more information.
What if I need to stay in touch while away?
All of our ships have computer terminals you can rent by the hour at the Internet Café. You can also telephone, telex, radiogram or fax to anywhere in the world and be billed* at applicable ship-to-shore rates. NCL guests can also be contacted on our ships by calling 1.888.NCSHIPS (1.888.627.4477) from the USA. For the rest of the world please dial 1.732.335.3280. When guests are contacted with the ship via satellite, they can be reached directly, if they are in their stateroom. If not, a message about the incoming call will be delivered to their stateroom and then they can call back* the shore via satellite. NCL guests can also make and receive calls, send and receive text messages and read emails on their own cell phones and mobile devices just as they do on land when the ship is at sea with the Freestyle Cellular Service. Staying in touch with family and friends when cruising has never been so easy. Click here for more information.
NCL Ship Telephone & Fax Numbers
When calling from the United States: Dial 1.888.NC SHIPS (627.4477), select the ship, and enter your credit card information. When Calling from outside the United States: Dial 1.732.335.3280, select the ship, and enter your credit card information.*Please use American Express, MasterCard and Discover Card, only.
What about Tipping?
Gratuities
Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service. However, all of our staff are encouraged to "go the extra mile," and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service. In other words, there is genuinely no need to tip but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals.
Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. For guests purchasing spa treatments the recommended gratuity is 18 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.
NCL Service Charge
Onboard Service Charges are additional. A charge of $12 per person per day for guests over the age of 3 will automatically be added to your onboard account. Please see our brochure or www.ncl.com for details.
Our crew is encouraged to work together as a service team and compensated by a combination of salary and incentive program that the Service Charge supports. It is our earnest wish that you enjoy your Freestyle Cruise experience and that our entire crew in all areas of the ship will provide you with the standard of service for which NCL is known. Therefore, if you have any concerns about the service you receive during your cruise; please bring them to the immediate attention of our reception desk staff on board so that we can address any issues in a timely manner before the cruise is over.
Both NCL and NCL America have a structured guest satisfaction program on board designed to handle any concerns raised by our guests relating to the service or on board product quickly and efficiently. In almost all cases we are able to come up with a satisfactory solution to any issues which are raised and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise holiday. In the unlikely event we cannot satisfactorily resolve the issues through our guest satisfaction program; guests will be able to adjust the Service Charge according to the level of inconvenience they feel they have experienced.
Our clear priority is to have the opportunity of resolving the issue, when it happens, to everyone's complete satisfaction.
Documentation, Visas and Passports
All guests must provide key personal information in advance of sailing. Guests may fill out the Online Check-In form.
Hawai'i Cruises
There's no need for a passport when you sail on any Hawai'i inter-island cruise. If your ship never sails beyond the islands of Hawai'i, all you need is a government-issued photo I.D. which includes a passport or a valid driver's license with a photo.
Vancouver Departures
Because travel to Canada may require crossing the U.S./Canadian border, you are required to carry a valid passport, U.S. passport card, U.S. or Canadian Enhanced Drivers License, or any other WHTI compliant document.
Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska (SEATTLE), Mexican Riviera, Or Canada & New England Cruises
For closed-loop sailings (cruises that depart from and return to the same U.S. port), you need a valid passport, proof of citizenship and a valid government-issued photo I.D. (driver's license with a photo), or any other WHTI compliant document. Proof of Citizenship examples include: an original or state certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate, certificate of U.S. naturalization, original certificate of U.S. citizenship, or a U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad.
For open-jaw sailings (cruises that depart from one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port), you are required to carry a valid passport, U.S. passport card, U.S. or Canadian Enhanced Drivers License, as well as have in your possession all relative visas that pertain to your travel itinerary. Permanent residents of the U.S. are required to carry their valid ARC cards for boarding AND passport from their country of citizenship, if available.
Note: If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship, or should you unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air. To that end, NCL strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their voyage on any NCL vessel.
Europe and South America Cruises
A valid passport is required and in some cases, a tourist visa is also required.
Where can I keep my valuables?
Most staterooms and suites have mini-safes. Please note, however, that NCL is not responsible for valuables left in staterooms or elsewhere on board.
Are visitors allowed on board?
Due to security reasons, unfortunately, no.
What is the Latitudes® program?
NCL's Latitudes Program awards repeat guests with benefits and privileges. Click here for more information or call Latitudes Customer Service at 1.800.343.0098.
What Should I Pack?
To give you an idea of what to toss into your suitcase, we've got answers to some of your questions like:
Can I wear something casual to dinner? Do people dress up at night? Can I wear my swimsuit day and night?The answer to all the above is "yes" - with Freestyle Cruising, you're pretty much welcome to wear whatever, whenever. Our philosophy is "resort casual" and with the widest range of dining venues, tons of entertainment options and bars & lounges, you'll find there are places for your style all over our ships, day and night.
Daytime, it's basically all fine since we know you're probably headed to the pool or out for a fun Shore Excursion. Casual shorts, jeans, tops and sundresses are welcome everywhere. You can even wear your swimsuit to the poolside grill or the buffet.
Resort casual dress gets you into every venue at night too. Some people like to add a jacket, or when celebrating a special occasion, get all decked out. This too is welcome everywhere. And if you're tired from a long fun day and just want to wear shorts; our buffet is the place for a casual dinner. Some people prefer nice jeans. They're welcome in many of our restaurants as well, but not in all. It's your vacation on NCL so dress comfortably, and you'll find a venue that suits your style.
Since all suitcases are collected the night before we return home, don't forget to bring an overnight bag packed with a change of clothes, prescriptions and need-to-have items. Thanks to Freestyle Disembarkation, you'll have time on your final morning on board for breakfast and some last minute sunbathing or even a workout.
What can't I bring onboard?
Passenger is not allowed to bring on board the vessel any intoxicating liquors, or beverages, firearms, weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosive substances or any goods of a dangerous nature, nor animals of any kind, except service or guide animals, provided the passenger notifies Carrier prior to the cruise of his intention to bring such animal and agrees to take sole responsibility for any expense, damage, injuries or losses associated with or caused by such animal.
What if I still have some questions?
Contact us at the following numbers: toll-free 1.800.327.7030; Miami 1.305.436.4000; or visit our "Contact Us" section from the home page.
What are NCL's Age Requirements?
Company policy dictates that a passenger under 21 years of age must be accompanied in the same or connecting stateroom by a passenger 21 years or older who expressly agrees to be responsible for the under 21 passenger throughout the cruise. This includes, but is not limited to, preventing under-age purchase or consumption of alcohol**, preventing under-age gaming activities and preventing violations of any ship's rules. Passengers must be age 21 to purchase or consume alcohol and age 18 to gamble on the ship. If the accompanying adult is not the minor's parent or legal guardian, a Parent/Guardian Consent & Release Form (pdf) that authorizes the minor's travel and further authorizes medical treatment in case of an emergency must be delivered to an NCL representative at the pier. Failure to produce this letter at embarkation may result in boarding being denied, with no refund of cruise fare provided.
Kids under two cruise at a substantially reduced fare and certain itineraries offer specials on 3rd and 4th guests in the same stateroom. Infants under six months of age are not eligible for travel on NCL ships.
Note: Two people under the age of 21 may travel together in the same stateroom without someone over the age of 21 in the same stateroom if they purchased the cruise under the family plan and have at least one person who is 21 years or older in the adjoining stateroom. The age limit will be waived for married couples less than 21 years of age provided proof of marriage is presented to an NCL representative at the pier.
**With the exception of Alaska and Hawaii itineraries, NCL permits guests between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty (20) to purchase and personally consume wine and beer while on NCL ships with the consent of an accompanying parent or legal guardian (Parental Consent) on the same sailing when the vessel is outside the US state territorial waters (3 miles). Complete details and the Special Consent Form are available on board at the Reception Desk.
What time do I board the ship on embarkation day and in ports of call?
Arrival at the Cruise Terminal:
For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing.
Final Boarding Time:
In order to facilitate the embarkation process and the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete Online Check-In at least one day prior to sailing and must complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail. Please note guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at port two (2) hours prior to sailing. Any late arriving guest may join the ship at an approved port of call in the scheduled itinerary. Such guest will be responsible for all applicable fees and travel expenses to that subsequent port of call.
Boarding Time in Ports of Call:
In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest's responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship.
NCL is suspending the company's fuel supplement for all voyages departing in 2009. The Company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $65 per barrel. NCL may collect any fuel supplement charge in effect at the time of sailing, even if the cruise fare has been paid in full.
What are Global Commission Payments?
As part of its continuing commitment to Partnership 2.0, a company-wide initiative to strengthen its relationship with travel partners, Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the launch of global commission payments. The global commission payment (GCP) program makes it easier for NCL's valued travel partners to receive their commission in a more timely and consistent manner. Click here for FAQs.
TRAVEL PARTNERS